When to plant Kale in the UK

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Kale
Kale · Brassica oleracea var. acephala

A hardy brassica for the UK garden. Grow mature plants in open ground for a long harvest in cool weather. It copes with frost, and the leaves often taste better after a cold spell. It takes full sun, and a little light shade is fine.

75 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden
Sow outdoors April to May, plant out May to July, harvest October to March.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYes

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seed

    mid-April to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Sow around mid-April to late May in a prepared seedbed or shallow drills. Sow thinly to . Keep the soil evenly moist while they germinate.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    early May to early July UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, when seedlings are large enough to handle, thin so the strongest plants have room. Keep the bed watered.

  3. 03

    Transplant and Firm In

    late May to mid-July UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    After each sowing, move sturdy plants to their final spots. Space apart. Firm the soil hard and plant deep so the roots are well anchored. Water in well.

    • Feed only if the soil is poor, or if plants are in pots.

  4. 04

    Protect from Pests

    late May to late March UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, from late May, cover with mesh for pigeons and cabbage white. Keep it on through late March. Add collars around the stems against cabbage root fly.

  5. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    mid-October to late March UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    After each sowing, start picking from mid-October once the plants are well grown. Take the outer leaves first and leave the growing point. Keep picking through late March.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Kale to consider

Nero di Toscana

A hardy black kale with long, narrow leaves and a strong texture. Good for repeated picking in the UK garden.

Westland Winter

A reliable winter kale with good cold tolerance and large, curly leaves. Suits open ground and keeps cropping well.

Redbor F1

A deep purple-red kale with frilled leaves and good ornamental value. Tends to look best and taste best after frosts.